Social Networking Is Here to Stay

In today’s fast-paced, technology driven society, alternate means of communication have been included in our daily lives to help us have up to the moment information about just about anything. There has been an ever-increasing buzz about social networking for the past few years that has firmly established this form of communication as one that will continue to grow. Depending on how people choose to participate in social networking, it can be a huge resource and benefit or a major detriment to their offline social lives.

Earlier forms of online social networking mainly consisted of IRC chats, which are still very popular. Today, internet users have more sophisticated online networking gateways that allow a plethora of other functionality like file sharing, video and audio sharing, applications and games.

Many businesses are beginning to realize the commercial potential social networking represents. Entire networks of friends, coworkers, family members and business associates use online social networking to share information, make recommendations and communicate. For businesses this activity takes the age old “word of mouth” advertising to all new heights since potential new customers are far more like to buy a product or service based on the recommendation of a trusted source like their old high school buddy or a previous coworker.

Social networking is also a great tool for establishing real networking ties with professionals across a broad spectrum of industries and specialties. The potential for making valuable business ties is enormous.

On a less commercial note, social networking allows people to reconnect with their friends and family quickly. It’s very easy to catch up with an old teammate or military buddy through online social networking. Many people even find relationships with others that share similar interests or have other friends in common. It’s a great way to keep everyone updated on the things happening in your life including weddings, children and other special occasions.

The only major drawback with online social networking is that, in some cases, it reduces the number of real-world, face to face interactions some people make. It has also been blamed for a drop in productivity from people in the workplace since some are spending too much time networking and not enough time working.

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